Turkey And Pancetta Meatballs Recipes

CLASSIC ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, basil, parsley, milk, ketchup if using, tomato paste, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic and onions. Using a wooden spoon, stir to blend. Add the ground turkey and sausage meat. Using fingers, gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
• Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (22 to 24 meatballs). Place the meatballs on a heavy nonstick baking sheet, spacing apart. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until cooked through, 15 minutes.
• For the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet with 2-inch-high sides over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onions, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the basil, the fennel, oregano and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup basil. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
• Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer until the meatballs are heated through, about 10 minutes. Thin the sauce with chicken stock, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed.
• Serve with grated Parmesan alongside.

PANCETTA AND TURKEY MEATLOAF SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
• On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay out the pancetta, overlapping the slices, into a large rectangle shape. In the middle of the rectangle, place the turkey mixture, shaping into a loaf. Using the parchment paper, wrap the pancetta up and around the turkey loaf to cover completely. Squeeze the parchment-covered loaf with your hands to secure the pancetta and solidify the shape of the loaf. While still covered in parchment, bake the loaf until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
• In a blender, combine the arugula and the mayonnaise and process until smooth. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• To make the sandwiches, slice the rolls and spread with the arugula mayonnaise. Slice the turkey meatloaf and place on the rolls to make sandwiches.

SPAGHETTI AND TURKEY MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain.
• Meanwhile, combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, thyme and salt in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs; a small ice-cream scoop makes short work of forming the meatballs and prevents the mixture from getting overworked.
• Heat the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and brown lightly on all sides, about 6 minutes. Pour in the sauce and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
• To serve, place spaghetti on each plate and ladle sauce and meatballs over the top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

GROUND TURKEY-RICOTTA MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix turkey, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, basil, egg, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until just combined.
• Scoop mixture using a 1-ounce measure onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Flip meatballs and bake until browned and no longer pink in the centers, about 5 minutes more.